Name: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature); 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

I’ve made this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne more times than I can count, and each time it’s a hit — whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. What I love most about this dish is how it perfectly balances rich, creamy indulgence with the wholesome goodness of broccoli and lean chicken. It’s one of those recipes that comes together quickly but feels like something you’d order from a bistro.

The penne catches just the right amount of sauce in each bite, the broccoli adds a bright pop of color and texture, and the chicken is juicy and satisfying. It’s my go-to when I want something comforting but still loaded with flavor and a touch of nutrition. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable and beginner-friendly, so once you’ve tried it, I’m sure you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Fast and fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes from scratch.
Family-approved: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Balanced meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish.
Meal prep friendly: Reheats like a dream.
Customizable: Great with other veggies or even a pasta swap.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne?

You can use just about any cut of chicken for this dish, but I personally prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly, absorb flavors well, and stay tender when simmered in the sauce. If you’re looking for even more flavor and juiciness, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Even better — just shred and stir it in toward the end of cooking for a quick shortcut.

If you’re cooking from raw, season the chicken well and either pan-sear it or roast it before slicing. The key is to avoid overcooking, so it stays moist and tender against the rich cream sauce and pasta.

Options for Substitutions

Sometimes you just need to work with what you have on hand — and this recipe is flexible enough to let you do exactly that.

Chicken substitutes: Try turkey breast, shrimp, or plant-based chicken if you want a meatless option.
Broccoli swaps: Cauliflower, spinach, or peas can easily stand in for broccoli if needed.
Pasta types: Penne works best, but rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni also hold the sauce beautifully.
Dairy alternatives: Use half-and-half, whole milk, or even non-dairy cream like oat or coconut (unsweetened) for a lighter or lactose-free version.
Cheese options: Parmesan is traditional, but feel free to experiment with Pecorino, Asiago, or a sharp white cheddar for more depth.

This dish is forgiving and open to personalization — which is why it’s become such a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Each component in this dish plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Penne Pasta
The tube shape is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, giving you a satisfying bite every time.
Chicken Breast (or Thighs)
The lean protein adds heartiness and soaks up the savory seasoning and sauce beautifully.
Fresh Broccoli Florets
A bright, slightly crunchy contrast to the creaminess, it balances out the richness and adds color.
Heavy Cream
This forms the luxurious base of the sauce, giving it that smooth, silky texture.
Chicken Broth
Adds depth to the cream sauce and helps thin it just enough without watering it down.
Garlic
Minced garlic adds bold, aromatic flavor that infuses the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese
Melts into the sauce to give a salty, nutty richness and helps it thicken naturally.
Olive Oil or Butter
Used to sauté the chicken and garlic; adds richness and carries flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the overall dish — don’t skimp!
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
For a little kick and warmth, especially if you like your creamy pasta with a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain everything together and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on the outside and fully cooked inside — about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture bubble gently for a few minutes. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce begins to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Stir well to coat every piece in that luscious, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, with a little extra Parmesan on top if desired — or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green.

How Long to Cook Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

The beauty of this dish is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Pasta & Broccoli: 10–12 minutes (cook together in the same pot, adding broccoli for the last 2 minutes)
Chicken: 6–8 minutes to sauté until golden and cooked through
Sauce: 8–10 minutes to simmer, thicken, and combine with cheese

Total Time: About 25–30 minutes from start to finish.

This timing makes it ideal for weeknights or last-minute dinner guests when you want something comforting and impressive — fast.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Salt your pasta water well: It’s your first layer of seasoning and makes a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t overcook the broccoli: Add it just in the last 2 minutes of boiling — you want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
Cut the chicken evenly: Similar-sized chunks ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
Simmer, don’t boil the cream: A gentle simmer helps the sauce thicken without separating or curdling.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives the sauce a richer, smoother texture than pre-shredded varieties.
Reserve a bit of pasta water: If your sauce thickens too much, a splash of starchy water brings it right back to silky.
Serve immediately: This dish is best hot and fresh when the sauce is ultra creamy and coats the pasta perfectly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne can hit a few bumps if you’re not careful. Here are the most common missteps — and how to steer clear of them:

Overcooking the pasta or broccoli
Mushy broccoli and bloated pasta can ruin the texture. Stick to al dente and pull the broccoli out while it still has a bite.
Using cold cream straight from the fridge
Add cold cream to a hot pan and it might curdle. Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before using.
Skipping the seasoning
Salt in stages — in the pasta water, on the chicken, and again in the sauce. Layering flavor is key.
Boiling the cream sauce
A rapid boil can cause the cream to separate. Simmer it gently for the best texture.
Using too much cheese at once
Dumping all the Parmesan in at once can make the sauce clumpy. Add it gradually and stir well.
Not tasting as you go
This sauce changes as it reduces — keep tasting to adjust salt, pepper, and optional heat.

What to Serve With Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne

Looking to round out the meal? Here are some tasty options that pair perfectly:

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery bite with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess of the pasta.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet, juicy bursts that add brightness to every forkful.

Steamed Green Beans

Keep it simple — a little olive oil, lemon zest, and sea salt work wonders.

Caesar Salad

Classic and always a hit, with crisp romaine and bold, creamy dressing.

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly charred and seasoned, it adds a smoky contrast to the creamy dish.

Chilled Sparkling Water with Lemon

A refreshing sipper to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Crispy Pancetta or Bacon Crumbles

Add a little crunch and salty edge on top for next-level flavor.

Storage Instructions

One of the great things about Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is how well it holds up for leftovers — making it an ideal choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Refrigerator:
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tips:
Warm gently over medium-low heat in a skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even water to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Stir frequently to avoid burning the cheese or drying out the pasta.
Freezing:
Not ideal. Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed, resulting in a grainy texture. If you must freeze it, do so without the cream, and add that fresh when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (assuming this recipe makes 4 servings):

Calories: ~580
Protein: ~36g
Carbohydrates: ~48g
Fat: ~27g
Saturated Fat: ~14g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~4g
Sodium: ~500mg
Calcium: ~200mg

These values can vary depending on your specific ingredients, especially if you’re using substitutions. For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream or less cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta can I use besides penne?

Any short, sturdy pasta works well — think rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli. Even shells can hold the sauce nicely.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the pasta, or toss it into the boiling pasta water for the last 1–2 minutes.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream sauce?

You can substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened oat or coconut cream. Choose a mild-flavored option to avoid overpowering the dish.

How can I make the dish more flavorful?

Add a splash of white wine to the pan after cooking the garlic, or toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or basil. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens it too.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers all make great additions. Just sauté them before making the sauce.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. You can also use a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella in a pinch.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve some pasta water and stir it in slowly if the sauce tightens up too much — especially after reheating.

Is this a good make-ahead meal?

Yes. You can prep the chicken and cook the pasta in advance. Assemble and warm everything together when ready to serve for the best texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne is the kind of meal that feels special without being complicated. It’s cozy, rich, and filling — while still sneaking in some green goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunches for the week, or just want a plate of comfort food after a long day, this dish has your back. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll probably start keeping the ingredients stocked just in case a craving hits.